The impact of advancing age on incidence of hepatectomy and post-operative outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases: a population-based cohort study

Abstract

Background: Clinical outcomes for elderly patients undergoing liver resection for colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases are poorly characterised. This study aimed to investigate the impact of advancing age on the incidence of liver resection and post-operative outcomes.

Methods: Patients in the National Bowel Cancer Audit undergoing major CRC resection from 2010 to 2016 in England were included. Liver resection was identified from linked Hospital Episode Statistics data. A Cox-proportional hazards model was used to compare 3-year mortality.

Results: Of 117,005 patients, 6081 underwent liver resection. For patients <65 years there was 1 liver resection per 12 cases, 65-74, 1 per 17, and ≥75, 1 per 40. 90-day mortality after liver resection increased with advancing age (<65 0.9% (26/2829), 65-74 2.8% (57/2070), ≥75 4.0% (47/1182); P < 0.001). Age was an independent risk factor for 3-year mortality. Patients 65-74 did not have adjusted mortality higher than those <65, yet age ≥75 was associated with increased overall mortality (Hazard ratio (HR) 1.47 (95% CI 1.30-1.68)) and cancer-specific mortality (HR 1.30 (95% CI 1.13-1.49)).

Conclusion: Although advancing age was associated with higher rates of 90-day mortality following liver resection, 3-year mortality for patients 65-74 years was comparable to younger patients. These results will aid clinicians and patients in pre-operative decision-making.